Strength in the past

The Bible is the best psychology book ever! What an amazing book that addresses so beautifully the struggles we face as human beings living in a sinful world. Have you ever felt abandoned by God when going through a difficult time? You may be going through that right now. The problems just keep pilling up with no relief in sight and you feel as if you are drowning. Where is God? This morning I was thinking about that and wondering if a friend I have who's going through difficult health problems was feeling that way. Then God, in His infinite wisdom and love, led me to read Psalm 77 and what an amazing answer to my question! When we feel like God is not listening to us anymore, we must remember how He's been there for us in the past. That will strengthen our faith and encourage us knowing that in His time, He'll provide the relief we need. He has done it so many times before, He will do it again. I need to remember this for me personally, but also it has given me direction in being a blessing to my friend and anyone God puts in my path who may be discouraged at the moment. I must point to the amazing blessings God has already given, certain that He will continue to give in His perfect time and wisdom.
How great is our God!

"I cry aloud to God,
    aloud to God, and he will hear me.
² In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
    in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
    my soul refuses to be comforted.
³ When I remember God, I moan;
    when I meditate, my spirit faints.

⁴ You hold my eyelids open;
    I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
⁵ I consider the days of old,
    the years long ago.
⁶ I said, “Let me remember my song in the night;
    let me meditate in my heart.”
    Then my spirit made a diligent search:
⁷ “Will the Lord spurn forever,
    and never again be favorable?
⁸ Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
    Are his promises at an end for all time?
⁹ Has God forgotten to be gracious?
    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

¹⁰ Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
¹² I will ponder all your work,
    and meditate on your mighty deeds.
¹³ Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is great like our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who works wonders;
    you have made known your might among the peoples.
¹⁵ You with your arm redeemed your people,
    the children of Jacob and Joseph. 

¹⁶ When the waters saw you, O God,
    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
    indeed, the deep trembled.
¹⁷ The clouds poured out water;
    the skies gave forth thunder;
    your arrows flashed on every side.
¹⁸ The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
    your lightnings lighted up the world;
    the earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹ Your way was through the sea,
    your path through the great waters;
    yet your footprints were unseen.
²⁰ You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

Psalm 77